The Oyo State government has reiterated its dedication to promoting culture and tourism as a means of boosting the state’s economy. This was affirmed by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, during a press conference held on Monday for the upcoming 2024 Yemoja Ibadan Festival, at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.

Dr. Olatunbosun announced that the festival would commence on Thursday, October 10, with the grand finale slated for Sunday, October 27, 2024, in the Popoyemoja area of Ibadan. The Yemoja Festival, a 17-day annual celebration, is designed to promote and preserve the traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 8, by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to Oyo State Governor, Moses Alao, the commissioner highlighted that the festival honors Yemoja, the deity representing motherhood and fertility, and is a platform for communities to come together in reverence for the deity’s protection and support.

Olatunbosun further explained that the festival, a significant event in Yoruba culture, also serves to showcase Oyo State’s rich traditions. The state government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, is actively working to enhance the cultural tourism sector as part of its economic development agenda, known as Omituntun 2.0.

The commissioner outlined the festival’s activities, which will include offerings to Yemoja and other deities such as Sango, Orisa Aje, and Orisa Ogun, various performances, visits to motherless babies’ homes in Yemoja’s honor, and a tour of AfriChatta Film Village.

Aare Isese of Oyo State, Aare Omikunmi Egbelade, in his welcome address, lauded Governor Makinde’s support for traditional festivals and his efforts to promote cultural unity in the state. Egbelade also urged the government to push for UNESCO recognition of the Yemoja Festival as a World Heritage Festival.

The press briefing was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor; Chief Mrs. Adeyinka Adedeji, General Manager of the Council for Arts and Culture; and Honourable Olufemi Aikomo, Chairman of Afijio Local Government, among others.

This year’s festival promises to be a celebration of cultural richness, unity, and the enduring significance of Yemoja in Yoruba tradition.